Origin: Once a part of Gilmanton called Gunstock Parish, this town was named for a key battle at the end of the revolution, the Battle of Guilford Court House, North Carolina. The American forces managed to deplete Cornwallis's army so they were forced to retreat, leading to the surrender at Yorktown. Sargent Lemuel B. Mason, who had fought in that battle, had retired to Gunstock Parish. As the town's oldest citizen when it was incorporated in 1812, Sargent Mason had the honor of selecting a name, and he chose Gilford. North Carolina's Guilford Court House has long since been renamed Martinsville.

Population Trends: Population change for Gilford totaled 5,112 over 56 years, from 2,043 in 1960 to 7,155 in 2016. The largest decennial percent change was a 58 percent increase between 1960 and 1970, followed by increases of 50 and 24 percent, respectively over the next two decades. The 2016 Census estimate for Gilford was 7,155 residents, which ranked 43rd among New Hampshire's incorporated cities and towns.

Population Density and Land Area, 2016 (US Census Bureau): 184.5 persons per square mile of land area. Gilford contains 38.8 square miles of land area and 14.7 square miles of inland water area.

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